Aggravated felon headed to federal prison for illegal reentry

HOUSTON - A 61-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally re-entering the United States after removal, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.

Jose Antonio Villegas-Herrera pleaded guilty July 16, 2024.

U.S. District Judge Charles R. Eskridge has imposed a 55-month-term of imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard about Herrera's criminal history which included a federal felony conviction of possession with intent to distribute cocaine for which he was ordered to serve 55 months in prison. In imposing this sentence, the court noted Herrera had cut off his ankle monitor and fled prior to the hearing.

He was removed from the country in 2007. However, authorities discovered him in Houston July 28, 2022, with no authorization to be in the United States.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prison facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Whitney prosecuted the case.